Page 57 of Love Set Apart
“There is no dowry, but no that is not the reason. It is because you went behind my back. You promised me you would not resist your betrothal any longer and yet you continued to have an affair with Robert MacMillan.” She eyed Emilie with disgust. “I have treated you like a daughter and this is the way you repay me?”
Emilie could hardly speak. She was being accused of something she hadn’t done. Yes, she had kissed Robert many times, but that was as far as it ever went. She opened her mouth, but before she could utter a word in her defense, Marie held up her hand and then stood and walked to stand in front of Emilie. She was an intimidating woman on a good day, but today, being the object of her disdain was terrifying.
“You will not speak. I have heard enough. Many people have seen you with him. There is nothing more I can do for you here in my palace. You will be banished to the Abbey Port-Royal Des Champs.”
“The convent?” Emilie was being shamed by the Queen Mother and being sent to a place where she would feel even more shame. At least she would not have to stay there forever. Robert would find her and all would be well once again. It would only be for a short while and then she would be married and happy.
“I will have a letter written to the abbess telling her why you are being sent to her. She will decide what penance needs to be done.”
“What of Robert?” Emilie thought there may still be a possibility Marie would allow her to leave with Robert and all would be well.
“He has been sent back to Scotland, and will never return to France. You will never see him again.”
Emilie fell to her knees. Her heart was broken. She would never see him again. She had been so happy just a short while ago and now her life was in ruins. If she had run away with Robert instead of waiting to hear about the dowry they would be far away by now, but instead her dreams were shattered. Two of Marie’s guards lifted her from the floor by her arms and took her away.
14
Edna had been ushered out of the throne room along with everyone else who had been waiting to see Marie. The hallway was crowded with those who’d been sent out. They gathered around the doors waiting for them to open once again. In such close quarters it became warm very quickly. Fans were produced by the ladies to ease oppressive body heat emanating from the crowd. Someone stepped on the back of Edna’s dress yanking her backwards as she tried to move closer to the door. A rumble of whispers made it impossible to hear anything that was going on inside through the thick wooden doors. She would have to wait along with everyone else.
When the doors were finally opened again, Edna was pushed from behind as she entered the room. A rush of swirling skirts blew past her as the throne room filled with those anxious to gossip about what was happening. Hoping to see Emilie, Edna turned about the room but she wasn’t there. Marie and her guards were still present although occupied with those now streaming in to speak with the queen.
“Where is Emilie?” she asked one of Marie’s ladies.
“She has been taken away.”
“Where?” Edna didn’t like this. She had to find her. “Where have they taken her?”
“Perhaps Antoinette knows.”
“Who is Antoinette?”
“She is there speaking with the Queen Mother.” She pointed to a young woman who was just stepping away from Marie’s side.
Edna followed her as she left the room and grabbed her arm.
“What do you want?” the woman asked, seeming frightened and upset.
“I’m sorry.” Edna quickly released her arm realizing she’d startled her. “Are ye Antoinette?”
She nodded her head.
“I need to find Emilie. Do ye ken where they’ve taken her?”
“She is being taken to the convent,” she said, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. “Poor, sweet Emilie.”
“Oh, no! Where is this convent?” Edna asked. Under normal circumstances, Edna would have comforted Antoinette, but this was turning into an emergency situation. She had to know exactly where Emilie was going.
“Port-Royal Abbey,” the woman said.
Edna patted the woman’s hand. “Thank ye.”
This was not the way she’d expected things to go. Edna had to find Angus and hoped that he had been able to get to Robert before the ship left for Scotland. She ran from the palace, causing those she passed to appear aghast at her behavior. Edna entered the courtyard just as Louis and his entourage rode in.
Waving her arms to get his attention, Edna hurried to Louis as he dismounted his horse. One of Louis men stepped between Edna and the young king obviously to protect him from what he saw as a possible threat. Out of breath and realizing her mistake, Edna stopped. “I mean nae harm. I must speak with the king.”
The guard did not budge.
“Allow her to speak,” Louis said, shoving the man out of the way.
